PANTHER PROWLER Friday Nov. 19, 2021 • Issue III • Newbury Park High School 456 N. Reino Rd., Newbury Park, CA 91320 • pantherprowler.org
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Diversity
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Rising Costs
Trans Rights Rally
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Red Ribbon Week Måneskin
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Alec Baldwin
Girls Tennis
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Menstration products
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Girls Waterpolo 16 Senior Night
NP Tour
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staff editorial Panther Prowler • Nov. 19, 2021
Emerging diversity in our community is important
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The concept of “Newbury Park” began as a rural settlement of the 1800s—a stop, on the stagecoach route from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Our first post office was built in 1875 by Egbert Starr Newbury, the town’s official founder, and fittingly, the first newspaper reporter in the Conejo Valley. Since then, Newbury Park has slowly become more diverse day by day, a fact which should be celebrated. Back in the 19th century, the Conejo Valley was just beginning to be settled by early pioneers and Spanish soldiers in occupation of the land of local Chumash Native Americans. By the turn of the 20th century, following the purchase of 10,000 acres of farmland by the Janss family, the settlement shifted into a community, albeit a mostly Caucasian one. While Thousand Oaks largely remains overwhelmingly White (82 percent, according to the 2019 Census), diversity in our city is beginning to bloom. Our population and community values face a cultural shift away from prioritizing Whiteness, and instead, all Newbury Park residents equally. The Newbury Park of today is becoming a place where le
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diversity is allowed to thrive alongside the preservation of our community’s lengthy history. With new restaurants from Viet Kitchen to West of Orleans, representing cultures from all around the world, alongside our historical landmarks, such as the Stagecoach Inn and Native American habitation centers at Satwiwa and Arroyo Conejo, the evolved Newbury Park is becoming a home that is reflective of our emerging diverse population. Take a walk through our libraries and witness the diversity of the names stocking the shelves, the encouragement of growth of our diverse youth at the Teen Center and the Boys and Girls Club. The future looks bright and intersectional, and it is an extremely valuable step forward that local facilities in our community, from restaurants to natural landmarks to public spaces, are representative of them. In this issue’s double-page spread, pages eight and nine, our writers take a walk around Newbury Park exploring our new and diverse restaurants, our historical parks and hiking trails, and our local public spaces. Take the walk with them, and celebrate the diversity of “new” Newbury Park with our community.
Front Cover Caption: Hiking with friends- The Satwiwa trailhead off of Potrero Road is the perfect place to relax and take a walk with friends or even by yourself. This scenic park is filled with different hiking trails, biking and horseback riding trails. Open to all, Satwiwa’s unique location provides a beautiful view of the sunset everyday and an opportunity to relax with nature. Reese Kelem/Prowler
For the record in Issue 2: Téa Sklar is spelled incorrectly on page 5 Jesus Gonzalez is spelled incorrectly on page 14 Mika Ellastar is spelled incorrectly on page 14 Mulligan is spelled incorrectly on page 15
PANTHER PROWLER 2021-2022 staff Editors-in-Chief
Editorial Editor
Carter Castillo Abby Gorman
Nandini Patro
Front Cover Editor
News Editors
Karyss Amato
Back Cover Editor Gwen Buchanan
Entertainment Editor Emma Schoors
Sports Editor Sarena Kabir
DPS Editor Adalia Luo
Opinion Editor Anna Johnson
Kai Mekari Hayden Meixner Téa Sklar
Photographers Chief // Reese Kelem Parker Bohl Tiana Hoang Emma Schoors
Graphic Artists Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza Kai Mekari Téa Sklar
Managing Editor Tiana Hoang
Social Media Leads
Staff Writers
Karyss Amato Gwen Buchanan Tiana Hoang Nandini Patro
Katelyn Arrington Ariela Behar Melissa Geher Taylor Gibson Kira Ivarsdottir Rohit Ukkan
Copy Editors Gwen Buchanan Tiana Hoang Anna Johnson Adalia Luo Allison Nguyen Dhruv Patel Nandini Patro Téa Sklar
Features Editors Allison Nguyen Dhruv Patel
Online Editors Gwen Buchanan Tiana Hoang Adalia Luo Allison Nguyen Dhruv Patel Téa Sklar
Adviser Michelle Saremi
The Panther Prowler is the official publication of Newbury Park High School, and is created and produced by the Advanced Journalism students. The newspaper is funded by advertisements from local companies. The Panther Prowler staff makes all final decisions on information published in its newspaper, its website and its publishing in other social medias. While Mrs. Michelle Saremi advises the Advanced Journalism students, the staff is solely responsible for what is printed. The Panther Prowler is published every four weeks throughout the school year by Print 365 co. For advertisement information, visit www.pantherprowler.org. The Panther Prowler is accepting letters to the editor. To submit your feedback, please provide your full name, email and a letter about 300 words in length. Letters are subject to discretion and editing for taste, length and libel. Letters can be submitted to the email posted below.
Newbury Park High School 456 North Reino Road, Newbury Park, California 91320 (805) 498-3676 x 1110 prowler.newspaper@gmail.com
news Panther Prowler • Nov. 19, 2021
This holiday season will be costly
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Melissa Geher Staff Writer
This holiday season might be the most expensive ever. The staple food of the season, turkey, is facing an all-time high cost. A Wells Fargo report explores market conditions with increasing prices. “The turkey price in 2021 is starkly higher compared to prior years,” Wells Fargo analysts reported. “Late September turkey prices this year are running nearly 25 percent more than the prior year, and nearly 50 percent higher than a prior five-year average.” Data also shows that shipping costs have risen. Kim Frum, USPS spokesperson, told NPR that the U.S. Postal Service will downswing and be more expensive. “...beginning Oct. 3 and ending on Dec. 26, the Postal Service will temporarily increase prices on all commercial
and retail domestic packages because of the holiday season,” Frum said. For consumers, Black Friday might not be a typical “door-busting” one. Retailers are struggling with their merchandise getting stuck on ships and getting their goods items due to the labor shortage, and are unable to get merchandise that should have already arrived. Adrian Mitchell, CFO of Macy’s, predicts an unpromising Black Friday. “From a promotional standpoint, this year’s promotional levels have been lower than historical levels, and we’ve been thoughtful about the categories that need promotion and we’ll continue to do so.” As prices increase this holiday season, it is important to keep track of expenses and find as many coupons as you can.
Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza/Prowler
CVUSD reforms its facility rental price structure Parker Bohl Photographer
Tier 3: Other events
Tier 2: Events that benefit students
Tier 1: District Events Carter Castillo/Prowler
On Oct. 25, CVUSD announced changes involving the price structure for renting any district facilities, such as a classroom or stadium. “We [might] have outside groups that want to do a...performance, like a concert choir concert or some type of an instrumental performance,” Stephen Lepire, NPHS principal, said. The new price structure divides potential renters into three tiers, each of increasing cost. The first tier is district events, the second is programs that benefit students, and all other groups fall under the last tier. “This practice
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does away with years of unwritten agreements that were disproportionately benefiting a few select organizations,” a CVUSD announcement email stated. The exception to this fee structure is renting a facility for media production. The board-approved fee schedule reads, “If you are interested in using any District facility for commercial film and television production, we quote location fees on a case by case basis.” This new system gives all but a few groups a clear set cost for renting a district facility.
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news Panther Prowler • Nov. 19, 2021
Freshmen officers fill the class of 2025 board Adalia Luo DPS Editor
On Oct. 4, Ahana Bhunia, Aleesa Iqbal, Shea Grohs and Nicholas Durbiano, all freshmen, were elected onto the Class of 2025 board. All four class officers ran unopposed and are concurrently in the NPHS ASG. Bhunia, president, feels empowered by her position. “My responsibility is to oversee all the fundraisers and the events and activities that we plan,” Bhunia said. “For freshman year, our main goal is just fundraising and raising money for like, things like prom and all the events that lead up to senior year.” Iqbal, vice president, is excited to step into her new role. “My main goal will be to help the school become even better than it already is and basically just help assist the president in anything that she needs, helping her to lead our school to success,” Iqbal said. “Even though I’ve only been here for a short time, I feel like I already know so much about this school and I know so many new people that I’m excited to help lead.”
Grohs, secretary, sees many responsibilities in her position. “As secretary, what I’m really doing is helping the students get their voices represented,” Grohs said, encouraging all freshmen to be involved at school. “If you’re thinking about joining the school anything, you know, the sports, or the clubs, or anything that you can help the school with, I think it’s a really good idea.” Durbiano, treasurer, outlined the future plans of the board in the next coming years. “For next years, it’s a little more fundraising, and then we’re actually getting into planning awesome events,” Durbiano said. “We are all spirited, and we all care about this school a lot.” The new board has high hopes for the future and is working diligently for the Class of 2025. “The board is great, honestly,” Bhunia said. “We’re all really hardworking, and we all work really well together.”
Responsible Leaders- The new freshmen board officers, Shea Grohs, Ahana Bhunia, Aleesa Iqbal and Nicholas Durbiano (below) pose for a photo. “My main goal will be to help the school become even better than it already is and basically just help assist the President in anything that she needs, helping her to lead our school to success.” Iqbal said. Tiana Hoang/Prowler
Bitcoin paves the way for the cryptocurrency market Rohit Ukkan Staff Writer Formed in 2008, Bitcoin has skyrocketed in value to around 64,000 dollars since crossing the one dollar and 1,000 dollar threshold in 2011 and 2013 respectively. Bitcoin, a form of digital currency, is a type of money that operates independently of the government. Bitcoin had a rocky start to success as many companies initially doubted that Bitcoin would amount to anything. From its beginnings in 2008 to its peak in 2021, Bitcoin has set a catalyst for the cryptocurrency market to flourish. Created by a teacher named Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin became the first cryptocurrency in today’s stock market. After Bitcoin became popular in the mid-2010s, people began to set up powerful computers to make Bitcoin in a process called mining. Although considered a huge gamble by many, over time people have found that the money made from Bitcoin mining is more than the costs to run the computer.
Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza/Prowler
The most prominent cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin and Ethereum, are at the forefront of the media and ones that are the most familiar. However, several other coins have formed to mirror the same success from these popular currencies. Many of these coins started as a joke, such as Dogecoin, and through risky investing from the public, these coins became viable investments. Currency experts point to the fact that Bitcoin is untraceable and unregulated by the government for its sudden soar in value since 2008. Reaching 64,000 dollars in value is a huge accomplishment as originally several billionaire investors such as Warren Buffet had spoken out to warn people to stay away from Bitcoin. With the price of Bitcoin only going up since its inception, big investors such as Anthony Pompliano, a founder at Morgan Creek Digital, predicts the price will skyrocket to 250,000 dollars in 2022.
Permanent housing facilities set to be built for the homeless Katelyn Arrington Staff Writer
Build!-The housing facility is set to be built in 2022 at the Quality Inn. Emma Schoors/Prowler
On Oct. 28, the Thousand Oaks City Council voted to build a permanent housing shelter for the homeless population. The housing facility will be built at the Quality Inn on Conejo Road and is set to open early 2022. The project’s goal is to give the homeless a place to stay while also teaching them skills that encourage self-sufficiency and independence. Claudia Bill de la Peña, the former mayor of Thousand Oaks, is confident that this facility will be successful. Previous housing facilities have had extremely high success rates. “96 percent of people who become clients are able to become self-sufficient and independent,” de la Peña said. There is often a stigma around the homeless, such as the assumption of them being addicts, mentally ill, lazy, or criminals, but the most common cause of people being without stable living conditions is just financial issues.
Ken Craft, the founder of Hope of the Valley, is committed to aiding the homeless. “[Our goal is to] get people into more of a stable environment where they then have access to mental health services, substance use disorders, counseling...and housing,” Craft said. There are also plans for other housing facilities in the area. A second housing facility in Thousand Oaks is being discussed to be built at the former Hillcrest Christian School site for low income housing. The permanent housing facility is being built to give the homeless the boost they need to get back to living a financially stable life. “We believe in the dignity, the value, and worth of every human being,” Craft said.
news Panther Prowler • Nov. 19, 2021
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Annual red ribbon week inspires students
Tea Sklar Staff Writer
In honor of Red Ribbon Week, CVUSD (Conejo Valley Unified School District), has released and approved the “Red Ribbon Week Proclamation.” “Businesses, government, law enforcement, schools, religious institutions, service organizations, youth, senior citizens, medical and military personnel, sports teams and individuals throughout the state of California will demonstrate their commitment to drug-free, healthy lifestyles, by wearing and displaying red ribbons during this week-long campaign,” the Proclamation states. Red Ribbon Week, the oldest and largest annual drug prevention campaign, was celebrated this year during the final week of October.
According to the Red Ribbon Campaign, Red Ribbon Week is celebrated by millions of people. “Since its beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon has touched the lives of millions of people around the world,” the Campaign wrote. Red Ribbon Week was initiated after Enrique Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent, was killed by drug traffickers in 1985 according to “Just Think Twice.”After he passed, the community wore red ribbons in respect to his death. Today, millions of people celebrate Red Ribbon Week by wearing red ribbons, participating in community antidrug events and pledging to live drug-free lives Tea Sklar/ Prowler
Workers resigning at astronomical rates
Rohit Ukkan Staff Writer
Texas A&M professor Anthony Klotz first coined the term “The Great Resignation” to describe a mass leave from the workforce during 2021 in the aftermath of the pandemic. The US Department of Labor reports in April, May, and June of this year indicate that between 11 to 12 million workers left their job, and many studies indicate that this is most likely not over. Microsoft recently researched this same phenomenon in order to explain sudden leaves of absence within the workforce, and found that around 38 percent of the workforce are considering quitting their job in search of higher paying jobs with respectful leaders. 54 percent of Gen Z alone are considering a new job. 41 percent of the entire workforce is considering quitting. Although many large corporations can survive after a third of
their workers cause a turnover, many small and medium businesses face drastic effects. It can be noted that many small enterprises are found to be running with departments with one worker as a result of this phenomenon. Small businesses are able to survive with minimal workers within departments, however acquiring new workers whilst old workers are leaving can be tough for even large corporations especially in a post-pandemic setting. The most prevalent issues behind “The Great Resignation” are a result of COVID-19, leading companies to shut down or force their workers to work from home. Surveys by “The Wall Street Journal” indicates that the pandemic allowed workers to rethink their work situation and points at stress and burnout as a major factor for resignation.
Tea Sklar/ Prowler
California is losing a representative for the first time in history Katelyn Arrington Staff Writer The California population has continuously shown a trend of rapid growth, but the most recent census suggests a decline in that trend. California used to be one of the fastest growing states, but now, the growth rate this decade is only 6.1 percent, compared to the average 7.4 percent from the rest of the nation. Because of this slow growth, California is losing one of its 53 House representatives for the first time in the state’s 171year history. While California still has the most representatives in America, states such as Texas and Florida are showing more than twice the amount of growth. Texas’ population
has grown 16 percent in the past decade, causing the state to gain two representatives. In addition, Florida’s population has grown 14 percent in the last decade and it is gaining one representative. Each representative constitutes a district of the state. California currently has 53 districts for its 53 representatives, but it will only have 52 districts when redistricting occurs. Redistricting occurs once a decade in every state and every county. It is the procedure where borders for electoral districts are redrawn. Usually, redistricting features minimal changes, but this year, one congressional district will be removed.
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opinion Panther Prowler • Nov. 19, 2021
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The Alec Baldwin tragedy exposes issues in the film industry Ariela Behar Staff Writer Oct. 21 was supposed to be a typical rehearsal day for the cast and crew of the upcoming western movie “Rust,” starring Alec Baldwin. While running a scene that involved Baldwin’s character pointing a gun to the camera, he pulled the trigger, unaware of the real bullets inside of the weapon. He hit young cinematographer Halyna Hutchins who died later that day and injured director Joel Souza. Although people speculate that this devastating event is due to a reckless actor, the blame should truly fall to an industry without proper gun safety laws. What should be obvious about this situation is that the investigation is ongoing. People have called attention to the armourer of the production for being at fault even though her legal team claims she did not see any bullets in the magazine before handing the weapon off. The media has also rushed to call out the assistant director as he was the one who handed the gun to Baldwin. What people fail to realize is that this information is a distraction to truly see who, or what, is to blame. This is the fault of the film union’s failure to address the everprevelant dangers of handling a gun. Seeing the cracks in the film industry’s gun safety procedures and how they led to this event is not a hard feat. There are no official rules from the federal government regarding gun safety on film sets. Productions tend to follow union guidelines, but they are not in the least bit definitive or effective. They are simply suggestions which means that legal action interferes only after a tragedy has taken place. Despite being a professional production, there were no expectations for set regulations for how to handle a lethal weapon, specifically a gun, on set. Complaints about this problem have been ongoing, even before the accident that took place on the “Rust” set. Crew members had actually left the set because of the poor weapon protection. The Baldwin
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incident is sadly another result from the lack of gun safety in the movie industry. Crew members recall Baldwin being especially careful with handling the weapon. Yet, the first wave of responses from the media all gave Baldwin the short end of the stick. The devastating scene was taken advantage of by pro-gun campaigns, including t-shirts being made that said, “Guns don’t kill people, Alec Baldwin does.” The ignorance of trauma towards family members of Halyna, Baldwin and the innocent members of the cast and crew is largely disheartening. There was little respect demonstrated towards the young life that was lost, especially from an accident that was directly the fault of weak regulations and not one individual.
Society needs better education on addiction Anna Johnson Opinion Editor Addiction is a problem that people in society criticize and I feel I have to hide his addiction from people, as I do not want look down upon. Although there are many resources available them to judge a man who is so strong for beating a condition that to help addicts get sober, there remains a negative stigma around genetically hardwired him to reach for more. He got addicted at their condition that we need to fight against. a young age, but the proper treatment and help made him able to According to the American Psychiatric Association, substance win his battles. use disorder, “is a complex condition in which People with addictions commonly use there is uncontrolled use of a substance despite their substance to subdue symptoms of harmful consequences. People with SUD have mental illness, such as anxiety or depression. an intense focus on using a certain substance(s) This leaves teens most vulnerable to such as alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, to the substances, as mental illness rates in teens point where the person’s ability to function in are going up and most reach for substances day to day life becomes impaired…The most in order to feel better. Because adolescent severe SUDs are sometimes called addictions.” brains are still developing, teenagers are The National Institute on Drug Abuse most at risk of long term brain damage. found that half of a person’s risk at becoming Stigma around addiction makes already addicted to a substance is due to genetic makeup. isolated teens not want to reach out for However, the expression of that gene can be help, but this needs to change in order to influenced by the environment and external make progress. factors, such as stressors that make addiction Although addiction cannot be cured, develop. Despite this, positive influences such it is treatable. Schools are making great as familial support and exercise can prevent its Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza/Prowler progress to educate teens on addiction. expression. People believe that addiction is a Research from the National Institute on choice and addicts lack the values and willpower to stop abusing Drug Abuse has shown that school programs have helped to their substance. This is simply not true. Addicts’ genes and their prevent addiction and reduce it among teens. Watching programs environment make addiction a compulsion that is extremely hard like Red Ribbon Week take place has given me hope that teens to break, even when they want to. who are like my dad are getting the help they deserve in order to When my father went through his battles against addiction, beat their battles early. No one deserves to go through what my I felt I needed to hide his condition from my friends, as I did dad did. Working to educate instead of judge is exactly the help not want him to be judged by people who had no idea what he teens and adults alike need to beat their addictions and live the had been through. Even now, with my father eight years sober, life they deserve.
How “The Pretender” changed my life Emma Schoors Entertainment Editor A trip to the record store has always been like digging for gold to me. Feeling the worn edges of preloved albums as I skim through them is like sifting my gold pan, hoping for something to catch and reel me into a world of musical and lyrical heaven. This method of discovery began at the age of ten, when finding a copy of Peter Frampton’s “Frampton Comes Alive” was like hitting the ultimate jackpot. There are times when those types of discoveries are luckily passed down through generations, and that’s how Jackson Browne entered my life. After being introduced to the musician by my mother as a child, I was enchanted by classic tracks like “Tender is the Night” and “The Barricades of Heaven,” but I found myself wandering back to his 1976 album “The Pretender” time and time again. “Your Bright Baby Blues” sees Browne pleading with God to protect him from himself; the fresh wounds opened by the death of Browne’s wife in 1976 set in motion some of the key themes of the record, though this track was originally penned before the tragedy. Browne takes on an almost gospel-like quality in his choruses, channeling a tenderness that contrasts beautifully with the heavier elements of his songs. “Where the ads take aim, and lay their claim to the heart and the soul of the spender,” Browne sings in the title track. With just as much resolve and power as when he first wrote it, Browne performed the track alongside James Taylor and his All-Star band at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Oct. 30. Hearing that song live after a lifetime of loving it sent adrenaline shakes running through my entire body. That is what it’s all about anyways, feeling energetically connected to something bigger than yourself. “The Pretender” is one of the albums that taught me the power of great songwriting, and Jackson Browne’s voice is etched in my heart as an eternal reminder of why I love music.
opinion Panther Prowler • Nov. 19, 2021
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Menstruation takes on public bathrooms Kira Ivarsdottir Staff Writer
Taylor Gibson Staff Writer
Free - Female student reaches for a tampon found free of charge in the NPHS girls’ restroom. Reese Kelen/Prowler
We need to normalize menstrual products and consistently provide basic necessities for women. School bathrooms are a great place to start out, but going forward we need more recognition and compensation in all restrooms, especially public places. If we provide toilet paper without expense in public restrooms, there should be menstrual products provided as well. Imagine someone having to pay every time they go to the bathroom just because they had too much water or ate too much food in one sitting. That is how we feel when we have to spend money on something we have no control over. Although menstrual products used to be 25 cents or more in public and school restrooms, laws have recently passed that now allow tampon and pad dispensers to be free. Cristina Garcia, a California Assembly member, filed an assembly bill on October 8, 2021 which entailed that schools with a 40% pupil poverty level require menstrual products in all women’s and gender neutral restrooms; absent of charge. In the event of getting your period, women often have to reach into their purse or backpack and make their way to the nearest restroom during an emergency. However, on the occasion of getting your period in a public place with the absence of a tampon
or pad in possession, we are forced to ask someone else if they are willing to lend us one. So what happens if there is no one else and you do not have spare change for period dispensers in the restroom? Well, we can only hope that no one will see, and that is why having free period products in public restrooms, especially schools, will tremendously benefit someone’s experiences. As more and more menstrual products become available for free, there have been numerous occasions where the dispensers have even run out of products at our own NPHS girl’s restroom. Due to the machines becoming available in bathrooms as of two weeks ago, the nearly immediate loss of period products demonstrates the sheer need for these machine’s presence in school bathrooms. Thankfully, young girls who are just now starting their period will not have to conform under the stigma of secretly grabbing pads from bags and quietly opening them in public restrooms in fear of being judged. By normalizing period products in public restrooms, feelings of shame or embarrassment towards menstrual cycles can be limited and young women can even gain a sense of community due to the realization that they are all going through the same things in everyday life.
The College Board does more harm than good Gwen Buchanan Back Cover Editor During a year of hard work and preparation, many students in higher level classes spend their free time studying for the Advanced Placement (AP) tests held in May. While this seems like an effective test of knowledge that can give students college credit, the reality of the College Board is quite the opposite. Every year, the College Board hosts the SAT and AP tests in five main categories: Math, Science, English, History, and Languages. Each AP test is graded on a scale of zero to five, with five being a perfect score. Depending on what score they received, students are able to receive college credit for their course depending on the university. This AP testing process seems like a fair advantage for higherlevel students, but the availability of tests are actually centered around wealth. The cost of one AP test can range anywhere from 96 to 126 dollars, and most AP students take more than one test in May. Every year, families have to pay hundreds for AP testing, and college credit is not given if the student does not score well. If a student fails an AP test, their money is not returned.
In addition to favoring students from a wealthy background, the College Board has not dealt well with quarantine. The 2020 AP tests in May were significantly shorter than the years before it. For example, the 2020 AP European History Test, which is usually three hours and 15 minutes, including multiple choice, short answer, a long essay question and a document based question (DBQ), was shortened to a 45 minute long DBQ. This put students who took tests in 2020 at a disadvantage as they took a completely different formatted test that they had studied for all year. The education system is straying away from the testing process, as it has come to light that testing is not a fair representation of a students intellectual ability. Yet the College Board still has not abandoned this out-of-date system. To give students a more accurate evaluation, the College Board could give students multiple assessments over time or evaluate their work in the class throughout the year, such as with the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Instead, the College Board judges the ability of
students on one test from a single day out of the school year. Aside from discrimination based on wealth and an outdated grading system, the College board is not concerned with the convenience of its test takers. Last year, I signed up for the SAT through the College Board and my test was cancelled. I had studied for weeks and received an email about the cancelation a mere three days before the expected testing day. I understand the safety challenges of test taking with the threat of the coronavirus, but I cannot imagine how many students weren’t able to take the SAT after months or even years of studying. After students pay 55 dollars to take the test and study for months beforehand, the College Board owes its students enough respect to inform them of cancellations ahead of time. Although the College Board is helpful to students in many ways, their system of grading and making money does more harm than good. Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza/Prowler
Misogyny in sports needs to end Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza Graphic Artist In the name of progressiveness, the media and society tells young girls that they can be whatever they want when they grow up. They use slogans such as “girl power” to try and convince young girls that they can be treated as equals amongst their male counterparts. Especially in school, we are fed the idea that things have gotten better for women as time has passed, and while it has to a degree, the work is not finished. Due to media portrayal, women are seen as weak and below men in both intelligence and power. This lens that people see women through causes many biases that build up to issues such as the wage gap. According to Forbes Magazine, women make 82 cents to every dollar a man makes, and that still does not account for the wage gap between white women and women of color. In sports, the wage gap is especially high because of society’s desire to favor male athletes over female athletes. An NBCSports article from 2021, described the wage gap between male and
female tennis players for the top 200 players in the WTA and the ATP as nearly twice the amount of money for male players to female players. On a more applicable level, many school districts give more funding to men’s sports than women’s sports. Men’s sports teams tend to have more coaches, better equipment, and more accessibility to fitness areas. The worst part is that people act like they care about equality and equity when in reality, the systems that are in place make accessibility harder for women. As a community, we need to make sure that our actions speak louder than our words. Women’s sports and activities deserve just as much funding and accessibility as their male-centered counterparts. We need to make sure that we are holding ourselves up to the standard we so heavily preach, because if we do not, we will just disappoint ourselves and generations to come. Téa Sklar/Prowler
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a tour of the conejo valley Panther Prowler • Nov. 19, 2021
Tiana Hoang/Prowler
Chakaa Tea Cafe
Tiana Hoang/Prowler
This September, Chakaa Tea Cafe opened its doors to the public. First started in Arcadia, Chakaa was first opened by a Taiwanese man with the hopes of showcasing different Taiwanese and Chinese culture. Though most popular for their boba drinks, Chakaa offers a variety of teas and fruit drinks and is planning on introducing new items in the near future. Tiffany Xing is the manager of the Newbury location. “We offer routine green tea, black tea and also milk tea with boba. Everything we have is made with fresh fruits, fresh tea and fresh boba,” Xing said. Cherry Huang, a worker at Chakaa, remembers the lack of diverse cuisine in Newbury Park, and is glad that Asian food is becoming more accessible. “When I grew up, there were no boba places. I remember I had to drive all the way to Northridge for Bon Bon [Tea House],” Huang said. Xing echoes this sentiment and says she hopes that Chakaa will help bring more culture to Newbury Park. “My friend told me there were Asian cultures around Thousand Oaks. That’s why I wanted to bring all the Asian cultures here,” Xing said.
West of Orleans Opening up in 2019, West of Orleans has had a successful beginning, only offering catering and take-out since their start. The restaurant offers both Cajun-creole styled foods and a Caribbean-Jamaican mix. “[Our food is] kind of a blend and a mixture of different things and it works well for us because we kind of set the tone,” Marcus Webster, the co-owner of West of Orleans said. Marcus’ wife, Trissa Webster, is the other co-owner, and they have been in it together since the beginning. Alongside them their sons also work with them. “We were going to make it simple: to go only and cater, because we do a lot of catering and [to go with] our family. My two sons...come in and help sometimes as well, but we all sat down together and made the decisions,” Marcus said. A major part of West of Orleans’ model is customer service. “The customers, your guests, your clients, are one of the most important aspects because they are the ones that are supporting your brick and mortar business enabling you to survive,” Marcus said.
Viet Kitchen
On Oct. 18, Viet Kitchen held their grand opening. Offering a wide variety of foods from Vietnamese cuisine, Viet Kitchen sells well-known items like phở and bánh mì, as well as more authentic dishes like bún (vermicelli noodles) and cơm (rice dishes). Viet Kitchen’s menu also includes some non-traditional foods, such as Korean barbeque-inspired chicken wings and their version of cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee). Their desire to bring home-style Vietnamese foods to different areas started after their first opening in Panorama City. Viet Kitchen’s love for the outdoor weather and friendly people of Newbury Park made them want to settle in the middle of the town. Viet Kitchen developed an amazing place to eat, hang out, and enjoy a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes.
Boys & Girls Club
Sarena Kabir/Prowler
Boys & Girls Club is a place to enhance the lives of young people and their families by providing a positive environment that cultivates academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character and citizenship. Lisa Barron is the Site Director located next to Sequoia Middle School. “We have programs that [ranges] anywhere from gymnastics... to dance to stem to steam to robotics to leadership classes to our torch club. Our club [also includes] parties and community service,” Barron said. Emily Luna, the site Program Coordinator, used to be a Boys & Girls Club member, and now works there. “It’s basically a place where a kid can just be a kid. Also [they have] the resources of us adults. We just try our best to make sure that it is a safe and fun environment for them to be here,” Luna said. Hayden Meixner/Prowler
Powerline Trail
Previously known for having a couch at the end of its path, Powerline Trail has become a popular spot to hang out with friends and take pictures. Located in Dos Vientos, the trail offers a picturesque view spotted with numerous electricity towers, each connected with sweeping powerlines. This popularized spot is great for hiking, sightseeing, and much more. Once in the middle of the trail, hikers and mountain bikers are enveloped by hills speckled with electricity towers. The trail is especially beautiful at sunset, where a view of Camarillo farms and the coastline are lit up by the sky.
Tiana Hoang/Prowler
SATWIWA Satwiwa is one of the most popular destinations for hikers and those looking to learn about the Indigenous populations in the Conejo Valley. Razsa Cruz, a park ranger who works mainly at the cultural center, explains that their mission is education. “We not only focus on historical occurrences, but we also promote modern and contemporary artists that are in the indigenous community because we want to make sure that they have a presence with the National Park Service. We try to do our due diligence, and make sure that folks know that [indigenous people] are not just written in a textbook and left there, that these individuals are still living today, in society with us, and they still have these strong ties with their ancestors,” Cruz said.
Parker Bohl/Prowler
a tour of the conejo valley Panther Prowler • Nov. 19, 2021
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Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza/Prowler
Teen Center & Library Located on Janss Rd. next to the Thousand Oaks public library, the Teen Center provides a safe space for teens in grades 7-12 to hang-out without feeling crowded by parents but still under supervision. With everything from a game room to an open gym to different classes and programs, there is an activity for everyone. Emma Teufel has been working at the Teen Center since May 2019 and she believes that the center is a great, safe way for kids to interact with each other face to face, especially with online spaces taking up so much of people’s time. “I think it helps kids feel like they have a place to find new friends if they don’t have friends,” Teufel said. “Nowadays, kids are on their phones so much. So coming here, they really get to socialize with everyone.” Teufel explained how her favorite part about working at the Teen Center is the community it builds. “We just love watching kids come here and grow up throughout the years and really, just have fun,” Teufel said.
For many, the Newbury Park Branch Library is home to many happy memories. The library has always been a great resource for people in our community of all ages. Jasmine Lim, senior, has been going to the Newbury Park Library since she was young. Now, she works there as a page, organizing library shelves and putting books and other returned items into the correct order. “I really love books, and my dream job as a child was to be a librarian,” Lim said. Though both this library and its sister location, the Grant R. Brimhall Library in Thousand Oaks, both closed down due to the pandemic, they are back open now and provide a number of helpful programs. “We have like a ton of early readers, young children books so they can start their reading skills early on. There’s a ton of nonfiction so for like research projects, psychology stuff, chemistry, like we also have a bunch of AP books and SAT books and other tests and stuff so they’re just an easy, free way to get resources that you might need for school, personal business or for fun,” Lim said.
Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza/Prowler
Take a tour of the
Conejo Valley Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza Graphic Artist Tiana Hoang Managing Editor Sarena Kabir Sports Editor Allison Ngyuen Features Editor
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features Panther Prowler • Nov. 19, 2021
Trans rights rally promotes message Kai Mekari News Editor
On Thursday Oct. 28 at the Civic Arts Plaza, Remi Parise, sophomore, led students to fight for recognition and awareness of the LGBTQ community at the Transgender Rights Rally. Participants held up signs and flags in hopes that the people passing by would recognize and support this movement in the community. “I started doing it last year, same date, just because that was right around the presidential election,” Parise said. The passing of transphobic laws across the country was a driving force at this year’s rally. In multiple states, including Arkansas, West Virginia, Alabama, and Tennessee, there have been anti-trans laws against health care, education, religion and sports. In response, Parise aims to “spread awareness Rights!- Remi Parise stands proud at the Trans Rights Rally, holding a sign reading “Trans Rights”. about all the issues that are happening because a lot of people Behind them, other advocates display their signs for all the cars passing by to see. Kai Mekari/ Prowler still don’t know.” They advocate for
systemic changes that will benefit those who do not have support from their families. “I’d like to maybe make some changes and things that will help trans people and queer people in a community, like safe places where they can go if they’ve been kicked out,” Parise said. Maddy Opp, TOHS alumna, attended the rally to fight for equal healthcare for the LGBTQ community, as many states have protected doctors who have refused to treat transgender people for religious reasons. “I think it’s important that trans people and everyone in the LGBTQ community have same rights as everyone else,” Opp said. “Everyone deserves the same rights.” Zoey Blair, sophomore, who also came to the rally is aware of the struggles throughout the transgender community.
“There’s still a lot of intolerance in this country. In the world, in general, towards transgender people, mostly because people are uneducated about how gender works, and the difference between sex and gender,” Blair said. By going to this rally she is showing her support for trans healthcare and other issues. “I’m an ally to the community. And I feel like it’s important for me to be vocal about that, and show my support whenever possible,” Blair said. With several passersby cars blaring their horns in support and pedestrians rallying on Parise’s group, the participants are hopeful that their rally will make a significant impact. “[A lot of people here] just don’t get it. But like trans people are also people,” Parise said. “If they just had a little bit more compassion, [it could] inspire them to vote on different stuff.”
Falling in love with the fall musical Parker Bohl Photographer In a dark crowded room, a light appears, illuminating the folds in a red curtain. An actor stands on the stage, seeing an audience looking back for the first time in years. They performed an anthology of scenes from different plays called “All Together Now”, with striking performances from all in the NPHS theater program in the Performing Arts Center. Elizabeth Bond, freshman, said, “Oh, it was tough. It was stressful, but I think everybody pulled it out in the end and did amazing with everything, and whether you had a solo or not, everybody did amazing.” After months of rehearsing and vigorous preparation, the cast and crew were ready for opening night. Lindsay Freedman, sophomore, waited offstage in the whispers of her peers waiting for their microphones to go live, as the last-minute preparations were made. “We’re waiting in the wings for this show to start. I think curtains open in like five minutes[...] it’s the first time we’ve really done this in like two years and it just seems unreal,’” Freedman said. Many major roles in this production were portrayed by Joah Ditto, senior. “I’ve been doing drama my whole life, but here at Newbury Park, it’s a great program for young high school students [to enter] into a community that’s really welcoming. I joined specifically because a lot of my friends were
joining at the time when I joined [in] my freshman year. I really love theater and it’s a great outlet for something that I love doing,” Ditto said. The return of NPHS theater to the Performing Arts Center (PAC) with an audience was something the theater students had been looking forward to. After the show, Aspen Roos, senior, was given flowers. “It was really fun. Everyone in this class was so nice and so positive and the crew is amazing,” Roos said. After the opening show, actors gathered outside the doors leading to backstage areas and expressed their appreciation for the drama program. “I love it. It’s amazing. All the people in it are extraordinary [...] And they’re also loving and I don’t know what I could do without their support,” Bond said. Moments before the curtain lifted for the opening show, Ditto was preparing to go onstage. “It’s pretty surreal [to return]. I haven’t been on this stage in two years and my hiatus of theater really affected me over the pandemic. I’m really just happy to be back,” Ditto said. The auditorium was nearly full of community members preparing to see the return of this art form. The actors were more than ready to see a crowd looking back at them. “Oh, it’s a rush. It’s something that I haven’t felt in a very long time. And it’s a different sort of feeling that I feel like you can’t get from anything else. It’s a privilege,” Bond said.
Top: They’re back!- Joah Ditto, senior, sings with passion as the first show neared its end, “It’s pretty surreal. I haven’t been on this stage In two years, and my hiatus of theater really affected me over the pandemic. I’m really just happy to be back.” Ditto said. Parker Bohl/Prowler Bottom: All together now- From left, Danika Spence, senior, Aspen Roos, senior, Olivia Antu, junior and Sierra Askren, senior, danced at the opening night. “It’s so much better live in my opinion. You could feel everybody’s energy and all the love,” Roos said. Parker Bohl/Prowler
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Student
Cole Graham/Student
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They’ve spent some time around the stables (and really expensive cars). 1-1
3-4
Kylene Hatton/Teacher
5 What year did NPHS open?
Teacher is always right!
many main friends are 2 How there on the show “Friends?”
Graham: 1967 Hatton 1970 Answer: 1967
Graham knows his Panther history! 2-2
what cartoon city do the 6 InSimpsons live? Graham: Springfield Hatton: Springfield Answer: Springfield
Graham: 5 Hatton: 6 Answer: 6
“Doh!” - Homer Simpson 3-3
Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and that other guy, right? 1-2
many elements are there on 7 How the periodic table? Graham: 115 Hatton: 98 Answer: 118
country invented ice 3 Which cream? Graham: Italy Hatton: America Answer: China
The chemistry teachers may be getting some new students 3-3
Maybe they’re lactose intolerant? 1-2
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Panther Prowler • Nov. 19, 2021
Ariela Behar Staff Writer
Which animal can be found on the Porsche logo?
Graham: Horse Hatton: Horse Answer: Horse
11 Teacher features
occurs on which 8 Thanksgiving Thursday of every November?
Dump, floater and wipe are terms used in which team sport?
Graham: Third Hatton: Fourth Answer: Fourth
Graham: Waterpolo Hatton: Lacrosse Answer: Volleyball
Way out of bounds 1-2
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Graham won’t be getting any turkey this year Hatton wins! 3-4
Latino Connection dances for the Day of the Dead Téa Sklar News Editor
Reese Kelem Chief Photographer
On Friday, Oct. 29, Thousand Oaks High School lit up their campus with flashing lights, traditional decorations, and a plethora of delicious ethnic foods. Organized by the Latino Connection Club (Thousand Oaks High) and Latinos Unidos (Newbury Park High), TOHS held its first ever Día de Los Muertos Dance (Day of the Dead Dance), open to all highschool students in CVUSD. The Latino Connection club, also known as Latinos Unidos at Newbury Park High School, is a district-wide club that brings together Latino students to celebrate their culture and heritage. Alondra Padilla, senior at TOHS and co-president of Latino Connection, has managed many events for this program for Latino students in Westlake, Newbury Park, and Thousand Oaks. “[We] aim to provide a safe, inclusive space where Latino students can learn about leadership opportunities, could go on field trips, meet new guest speakers, have like food and just have fun together,” Padilla said. Frida Moreno, senior and co-president of Latino Connection, explained the importance of the holiday and the idea behind it. “A lot of people think it’s gonna be like, a sad day since you’re talking about people who have recently departed, but it’s more so a celebration that they’re still they’re still there, they’re still present, but rather just like in spirit and not like, physically,” Moreno said.
Moreno and Padilla worked tirelessly to hold this dance for students a few days prior to the actual holiday on Nov. 1. With a turnout of about 160 tickets sold, Moreno feels like the dance was a great success. “Honestly, my favorite part is the fact that we didn’t only have like Hispanic students. We had students from all schools and stuff, all that were excited to come to the stands and were just willing to learn about the culture that isn’t necessarily theirs,” Moreno said. Many students and staff were fortunate enough to attend the dance on Friday, including Seth Geher, Spanish teacher and World Languages Department Chair at NPHS. “I really enjoyed just talking to my students there and talking to other students in Spanish, and just watching the kids have a good time,” Geher said. Geher was happy to see all sorts of students attend the dance and believes more dances like this should be held in the future. “It doesn’t matter if you speak Spanish or not, or if your heritage is Latino. It’s just open to everybody. And it’s just great just to have fun, listen to good music and hang out with your friends,” Geher said. Padilla feels that this dance was a huge success, and hopes to see more activities and celebrations like this from the club after she’s gone. “I feel like these dances are very beneficial to the club, and I would really like to see them continue to be as successful as they have been so far,” Padilla said.
Dance your heart out- Anjelly Cruz, senior, and Kenneth Farfan, senior, enjoy themselves at the Dia De Los Muertos dance at Thousand Oaks High School. The dance served as an opportunity to meet new people of different kinds of cultures. “It’s open for everyone. Just because we’re only playing Hispanic music and only have Hispanic foods available for sale, that doesn’t mean that people of different backgrounds aren’t allowed to the dance,” Moreno said. Melissa Geher/Prowler
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entertainment Panther Prowler • Nov. 19, 2021
Måneskin makes their U.S debut with “Beggin’” Téa Sklar Graphic Artist
Chart-topping- The album cover of Teatro D’Ira Vol. 1, Måneskin’s second studio album. The record includes tracks like “I Wanna Be Your Slave” and “Zitti e Buoni,” both of which have enjoyed critical acclaim. Rateyourmusic.com/With Permission
Måneskin, a rock band from Rome, Italy, made their U.S. debut on the “Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Thurs. Oct. 28th, performing their hit cover “Beggin” from the album “Chosen,” and their new single, “MAMMAMIA.” The band is composed of Damiano David on vocals, Victoria De Angelis on bass, Thomas Raggi on guitar, and Ethan Torchio on drums. Their band name means Moonshine in Danish, an idea that came from Angelis, who was inspired by her half-Danish ancestry. Måneskin broke the top 30 songs on the “Billboard Charts” with their cover of “Beggin” by the Four Seasons. “Beggin’” was originally made by American Frankie Valli and his band The Four Seasons, in 1967. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has lost a woman due to his own terrible conduct and he is deeply regretting it. “I need you to understand that I worked so hard to be your man. The kind of man you want in the end. Only then can I begin to live again,” the lyrics read. Nearly sixty years after the original release of Valli’s beloved track, Måneskin has brought it back to the forefront of popular music. Although the band’s cover of “Beggin” was released with the album “Chosen” in 2017, the song went viral on the social media platform “TikTok” four years later
in 2021, beating Lil Nas X and his song “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” and Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA. The song took second place, being beaten by Olivia Rodrigo’s “good 4 u.” Since then, the band has climbed the ranks at a rapid pace. The band first performed the song on “X Factor Italia,” and it was given a gold record by the Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana (Federation of the Italian Music Industry). “The band first performed the song in 2017 while they were competing on the eleventh season of X-Factor Italia. They never released it as a single, but it managed to hit #39 on the Italian Singles Chart anyway and a year later FIMI certified it as a gold record,” the article states. Since winning the Eurovision Song Contest, “X-Factor Italia,” in 2017 with their rock song “Zitti e Buoni” (“Shut Up and Behave”), Maneskin has become a global celebrity. Their victory was a big success for the event, the band, and the music industry in their own country. Måneskin opened for the Rolling Stones as guest artist on Saturday, Nov. 6 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV, as part of their North American ‘No Filter’ tour.
“No Time To Die” shocks audiences Hayden Meixner News Editor countless breathtaking landscapes as well as captured the essence of each scene perfectly. Throughout the almost three hour movie, there were several huge plot twists, ensuring that no one knew what was going to happen next. The beginning of the movie is relatively slow at it takes a while to get to the point but I enjoyed the array of exotic locations that were included as well as the many ‘edge of your seat’ moments My only complaints of the film was that it was quite long and the climax of the film did not occur until what felt like the last twenty minutes. Additionally, without much prior knowledge of past James Bond movies, it was a little hard to follow, although I was able to catch on for the most part. I would recommend watching the other James Bond movies before going to see “No Time To Die”. Also, I felt that the 2 hour and 45 minute film was a bit long. There were several side stories throughout the movie that felt a little pointless. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed No Time To Die and left the theatre shocked but wanting more.
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The Rolling Stones have unveiled their celebration of the 40th anniversary of Tattoo You, the explosive 1981 album that defined the band’s 1980’s musical presence. Among the new elements available are a 2021 remaster, nine unheard tracks, limited edition clear vinyl, picture discs and immersive box sets. “We realized that there was a lot of great music that we had recorded in the past that had never been released, particularly from all the material we had amassed during the Some Girls and Emotional Rescue sessions,” Ronnie Wood recalled
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Emma Schoors Entertainment Editor
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Car chases, fight scenes and spies; all things that come with a great James Bond film. “No Time To Die”, starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, also known as 007, had all of that to offer and more. Completed with a soundtrack featuring Billie Eillish, the music in this film added to the suspenseful and action packed plot line. James Bond is currently retired in Jamaica, with no intention of ever going back to his old job as a secret service agent when he is approached by an old co-worker. After much convincing, Bond agrees to help the CIA out with one final case; they must kidnap a scientist working on what they believe is the most lethal weapon to ever exist. The mission is full of exotic locations and suspenseful situations. All at the same time, Bond’s lover Madeleine Swan, played by Léa Seydoux, must battle her past as secrets begin arising that she never thought would. Together, Bond and Swan work together to try to save the world while still trying to figure out their complicated love life, but their fates keep getting dimmer and dimmer. There were many aspects of “No Time to Die” that I thoroughly enjoyed, such as the incredible cinematography that spotlighted
Kai Mekari/Prowler
on the band’s website. “The music had to age like fine wine.” Four decades of fine aging later, and the songs are just as resonant as when they were written. The “No Filter” tour, set to conclude in 2020 but postponed due to COVID-19, has continued well into this month. Part of the beating heart of the band is missing, however. Charlie Watts passed away in late August, prompting beautiful tributes from his bandmates and fans all over the world. “Charlie lives on in all our hearts,” the band wrote in a September Instagram post.
entertainment
Panther Prowler • Nov. 19, 2021
John Mulaney starts from scratch
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Ariela Behar Staff Writer John Mulaney’s recent comedy tour, “From Scratch,” is evidence that he remains “The Comeback Kid” of the comedy scene. From selling merchandise saying, “I saw him right after he got outta rehab,” he does not hesitate to unpack every aspect of his addiction and recovery creating an intimate connection between the esteemed comedian and his audience. As live shows tend to go, a little mishap occurred at his second Long Beach show on Nov. 16. Mulaney had admittedly gotten distracted before his entrance and forgot to put on a tie, an important variable to his iconic clean cut suit outfit. What might be an inconvenience to one comedian, Mulaney seamlessly used to his advantage to crack more jokes and shamelessly beg the audience to buy his merchandise. A small moment like that could have made for an awkward environment, but it only added to Mulaney’s persona. When the news broke of Mulaney’s addiction, rehab and even pregnancy with his recent girlfriend, fans were shocked to find their favorite comedian had a new lifestyle. Mulaney even joked that he received mixed reviews on his newborn. However, Mulaney showed no bad blood over the opinion the media had formed on him which helped to preserve his iconic and classy stage identity. What makes this tour stand heads above his other specials is his consistent theme. Over half the show is dedicated to his addiction stories, whether they are from his wildest
nights, the rehab center or his star-studded drug interventions with names that will make your jaw drop. He takes the situation that all comedy fans were heartbroken to hear about and mends their pain with an hour and a half of endless laughter on his own downfall. Running all around the stage, constantly fiddling with his microphone wire, imitating an inaccurate Al Pacino and interacting with young kids in the front rows all contributed to make this show so unique and enjoyable. As the show came to its natural end, Mulaney stopped to genuinely thank the audience for joining him especially after what he recently endured. This moment had an immediate shift from the goofy and humorous vibe to a heartwarming ambiance which felt oddly necessary once it occurred. He left us with a magazine interview he gave when he was at his worst state in his addiction which was arguably one of the funniest bits of the whole performance. But right before exiting the stage, he handed his tie to a young boy in the audience whom he had conversed with a few times throughout his routines. The authentic moment received a well earned affectionate applause from the audience. Mulaney proves that his shows selling out in only a few hours after announcement is no mistake. His raw vulnerability and organic charm in his recent tour reach unfathomable levels for an already respected comedian. “From Scratch” may be one of his strongest projects yet.
Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza/Prowler
“Eternals” brings diversity to the Marvel Cinematic Universe Kai Mekari Staff Writer With a new set of superheroes and a storyline inspired by Greek mythology, the movie “Eternals” arrived in theaters on Nov. 5 and boasts new and diverse characters unlike other Marvel movies seen before. While not staying in one location or time, the movie took place a year after Endgame, another Marvel movie released prior to “Eternals.” The movie stars ten brand new characters, called the Eternals, who are ancient aliens that were sent to earth seven thousand years ago on a mission to destroy the last of the deviants, who have been on earth for centuries terrorizing the cities that have been trying to develop and evolve. Now they have realized if these creatures keep getting in the way of everything they have built, humans will never evolve. Each with an individual power, the Eternals will do their very best to bring down mankind’s worst enemy. At the beginning of the film, I realized one of the characters was androgynous and I was impressed that Marvel included such a diverse character into this set of superheroes. As I continued to watch the movie, I saw so many characters who were proud of their gender expression, sexuality and ethnic culture. Seeing a big production company produce a movie with Kai Mekari/Prowler
such an open perspective on personal topics made this film much more appealing. It was not only fascinating to see so many new characters, but the plot made the film more enjoyable. While listening and trying to remember each character’s name, I heard the name Ikaris in the film. ‘Icarus’ is known in Greek mythology as the kid who flew too close to the sun and melted his wax wings. As I focused on the film I also heard the names Sersi, Gilgamesh and Thena, who all stem from Greek Gods and kings. Seeing the mythological stories we grew up learning being put into a movie series was amazing to watch. For the most part, this movie was action packed and entertaining. Most Marvel movies are extremely lengthy, but this film was two and a half hours and it was not tiring in the least. Not only did this movie really make a difference in showing appreciation for race and gender expression, but it also stands out in comparison to the other movies. It is not typical of previous Marvel films, and separates itself nicely from other stories and heroes. I think that Marvel has outdone itself this time and I can not wait to see what they do next.
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sports Panther Prowler • Nov. 19, 2021
Girls’ tennis team serves into CIFs Kira Ivarsdottir Staff Writer
For the ninety-fourth year in a row, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) continues to host their annual sports competitions, which includes the girls’ tennis section. Both individuals and teams from NPHS will be competing against top athletes from other schools and organizations in this year’s CIF. In order to perform to the best of their ability, the girl’s tennis team has been preparing mentally and physically to overcome any obstacle the competition may bring. Despite merely qualifying for the competition itself being a rigorous process, the team managed to beat the competition. Grace Pei, junior on the varsity team, along with the rest of the team had to compete against numerous schools in order to secure a spot in the CIF. “To be in this competition, they take the top three schools in each league. Out of our league, we ranked in the top three, so we were able to qualify,” Pei said. Along with usual exercises for tennis, NPHS Coach Bill Mulligan offers additional optional practices in order to prepare for the competition. “So we had regular practice sessions where we practiced singles to get ready for our playoff match and for the rest of the girls, they practice their doubles to get ready for the playoffs match,” Mulligan said. The qualifying process was extremely close, explained Ava Zasloff, senior and singles player for the varsity team. “This year it came down to a very close match between us and Oaks Christian because we had lost by 5 games the first time we played them, so we had to win when we played again in order to make playoffs,” Zasloff said. However, some players, such as Zasloff, are competing for their first time in the CIF due to COVID cancellations last year. “This is my first time playing in CIF despite our team going to [the] playoffs last year,” Zasloff said. In addition to physical exercises, the team also practices mentally. “We have prepared by practicing daily and mentally preparing for a difficult match against our opponent[s],” Zasloff said. Zasloff is eager to finish her senior year at NPHS alongside other seniors at the CIF. “I am excited to end my senior year and our tennis season on a high note, playing in playoffs surrounded by my friends and classmates,” Zasloff said. In addition to physical exercises, the team also practices mentally. “We have prepared by practicing daily and mentally preparing for a difficult match against our opponent[s],” Zasloff said. With the commitments surrounding tennis sometimes causing exhaustion, players are still eager to compete. “It was exhausting and having to make up schoolwork sucks, but spending time with everyone on the team made it a fun adventure,” Hu said. Players who still have a year left of school are just as excited to go through whatever obstacle or challenge the competition may bring with the accompaniment of their teammates. “Regarding CIF, I Cheese- The girls’ varsity tennis team gathers together in a posed picture full of smiles; with Rachel Hu, junior, in a black tank top on the far left, Grace Pei, junior, with a black viser on the far right, and Ava Zasloff, senior, am excited to be able to compete against other schools and also play in another match with our seniors this year. Having more opportunities to bond with our team is always lots of fun,” Pei said. on the bottom right. Nandini Patro/Prowler
Girls’ XC works their way to the top Nandini Patro Editorial Editor
The NPHS girls’ cross country team has pushed themselves harder than they ever have this season, and their hard work is starting to pay off. The team is now ranked as fourth overall in the nation, which is a drastic change from last season, when they were ranked 17. Coach Sean Brosnan, head coach of the boys’ and girls’ cross country and track team at NPHS continues to encourage his runners. “I’m really proud of the girls, Brosnan said. “And now they have a chance to win a national title.” So far this season the team has competed at many different meets, such as the Woodbridge Invitational, Clovis Invitational and League Championships. At Woodbridge, the girls missed first by a couple seconds as they came in second to a Texas team. They also placed second at Clovis. Ailish Hawkins, a junior and runner on the team continues to work pushing herself and her fellow teammates, “We have a lot of workouts and, every day we practice and then we have to prepare for League prelims, and finals and CIF,” Hawkins said. “We’re trying to put in the work now. So that way we can rest for the next couple weeks.” The team ethic has greatly changed and is full of hard-working girls who want to accomplish more this year. Samantha McDonnell, senior and Alabama University commit believes this season is different than any season yet. “The team has grown a lot over the past couple of years. And this year has just kind of been our best year so far,” McDonnell said. “We’re all really focused and everything. And as far as individually goes, I’ve been having one of the best seasons ever.” They continue to be motivated by their successes two years ago and it encourages them to work even harder this season. “All of our work has been paying off. I think we’ve all just grown as individuals and just learned from two years ago when we won state for the first time,” McDonnell said. “[We] kind of wanted to keep going with that and keep putting in the hard work.” From their own individual runs before school to their long practices after school, these girls are willing to put in everything to make their name clear. These improvements from last year have shown the team that new achievements are possible. With Nationals around the corner in December, a new goal is in mind for both teams. “No one’s ever won them at the same time, guys and girls. So hopefully, we have a shot to win both,” Brosnan said.
Team effort- The girls’ cross country team runs in a pack together in order to support each other and help push each other forward, “The girls just started working harder and actually putting it in the work. We’ve just really been trying to dig deeper and give it our all,” Ailish Hawkins, senior, said. Samantha McDonnell/With Permission
sports Panther Prowler • Nov. 19, 2021
Girls’ water polo makes a splash
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Taylor Gibson Staff Writer
With a new coach, Chet Hardy, girls’ varsity water polo is ready to make new adjustments and create more memories during this season. Hardy has been coaching for the last five years. “I think when I finished playing [water polo], I thought that I still had some stuff left to contribute to the sport. I just really wanted to coach,” Hardy said. With tryouts being finished and games starting up in December, Coach Hardy is working hard to ensure a successful season for these girls. “It’s hard. It’s time consuming. But that’s why we do it. Because we love the kids. We love the sport and we love, you know, making a difference as coaches,” Hardy said. During games, Hardy tries to keep the team morale strong. “[I] just try to be engaged and mentally present if I’m not feeding off that type of energy,” Hardy said. “[I] see what adjustments need to be made, and just kind of making sure everybody is on the same page and working collectively,” Hardy said. Makayla Owens, senior, grew up constantly in the water and swimming, which is why she feels so comfortable playing water polo. Owens currently plays on the varsity team and enjoys different aspects of practice. “I like the conditioning aspect of it because afterwards it makes me feel good about myself…because I like getting in shape and feeling strong,” Owens said. While playing different games, she has a lot to think about. “I kind of just make sure I’m set up in the right position so that there’s not a man down,” Owens said. “Just make sure that the people who are important shooters or threats to us are covered.” While only a sophomore, Adriana Flores plays center defender for the varsity team. Flores especially enjoys preseason due to the different experiences that are not always as available during the regular season. “Preseason is such a great way to get to know your teammates. You get to meet everyone new to the sport and make even better bonds with people you knew from years prior,” Flores said. Flores also enjoys the strategy aspect of the games. “Awareness is super important and if I realize where everything is I can think of what to do next or anticipate what the other team is going to do,” Flores said. “Like any sport, it’s very time consuming. Sometimes you spend all day or entire weekends at games or tournaments, but it’s all worth it in the end.” Hardy has high hopes and is ready to grow as a team. “As it is my first season, I’m just excited to see how the team plays together and what kind of chemistry they already have, and then I’m excited to build off that in the years to come,” Hardy said.
Splash- Makayla Owens, senior, reaches for the ball while Becca Britt, senior, gets open for the pass. The sport takes quick delivery between players. “I like the communication between the teams,” Owens said. Tiana Hoang/Prowler
Unified Sports holds first tournament of the year
Dhruv Patel Features Editor
Last Friday, Nov. 12, Unified Sports held their first tournament of the year: a bocce ball tournament against Westlake High School and Thousand Oaks High School. The Newbury Park team won against Thousand Oaks High School but lost to Westlake High School by one game. Unified Sports is a club that brings together students from the LEAP Program, who have cognitive disabilities, and students without disabilities in one team, with the disabled student being an athlete and the student without disabilities being their partner. The club brings together people from different schools to compete against each other in a variety of sports. Samantha Stewart is the Unified Sports Co-Sponsor and Organizer at NPHS and the District Liaison for Unified Sports. “Our objective is to foster inclusion, foster friendship, and just foster the nice people school vibe,” Stewart said. Stewart works hard with Unified Sports to make sure this goal of inclusion is fulfilled throughout the whole club with the tournaments and the practices. “The tournaments foster inclusion by spotlighting that all individuals are capable of playing sport and having fun while being together. Being able to wear your school’s jersey and represent your own high school is an amazing feeling,” Stewart said. One of the athletes, Austin Moncourtois, senior, has been a part of Unified Sports for three years and loves playing in the tournaments. “[I get to] make a lot of friends and go play different sports against different teams and different schools,” Moncourtois said. The partners and the athletes have been working hard over the past few months to prepare for the bocce ball tournament, slowly becoming masters in the sport of bocce ball. “We worked on her underhand throwing with beanbags, and now we’re actually playing with the rules and our scorekeepers and everything,” Stewart said. The club members met every week to practice the sport and to refine their skills. Caden Leff, senior, has been a part of Unified Sports for four years and felt very prepared for the tournament. “We’ve had a couple of run-throughs and just a lot of practices and playing bocce ball,” Leff said. The club normally holds many tournaments across the school year, with bocce ball being the first one. In the following months, there will be a basketball and soccer tournament. Unified Sports brings compassion and acceptance to the community. Everyone in the club across all the schools get to know one other, fostering a sense of inclusion and involvement. “Some of the friends with Move- Jackson Rippon, sophomore, and Averie Lomas, junior, help Vivienne Bell, freshman, use a ramp disabilities may look different or act different and it kind of gives you an opportunity to be around them to push the bocce ball. “There’s four people on the team, two athletes, two partners, and a team on one and really learn and get to know that person and know that…there’s nothing wrong with them,” Stewart side,” Samantha Stewart, the Unified Sports Co-Sponsor and Organizer said. The tournament was filled said. with teams that worked together to make a fun, fantastic game. Reese Kelem/Prowler
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back cover Panther Prowler • Nov. 19, 2021
Senior Night celebrates the graduating class Tiana Hoang/Prowler
Dhruv Patel Features Editor On the last football game of the year, Fri. Oct. 29, the seniors on different teams were honored for their hard work over the years of their highschool careers. The seniors got to walk out on the football field with their families, and were acknowledged by everyone in the stands. They were also celebrated with gifts, some seniors getting sashes and crowns. The night was one to be remembered, with the honoring of the Football, Dance, Cheer, and Sparkles teams.
Gifted- Besides being celebrated by their fellow classmates and fans, the seniors also got special gifts. Ellie Champlin, senior, enjoyed the special recognition her team got. “For me, I was celebrated as a senior with a flower crown, sash, and a special walkout with my family. Dance is celebrated with similar gifts as well, and it was really special to see all of us seniors walk out on the field for a final time with our families,” Champlin said. Make Memories- Some of the senior’s biggest fans and supporters are their families, who were present at the game on Senior Night to be with their loved ones. Caitlin O’Keefe, senior, loved the opportunity to be with all of her friends and family. “It was so much fun to spend the night with the other seniors on the team and my family,” O’Keefe said.
Reese Kelem/Prowler
Dance the night away- The NPHS Dance team was celebrated on Senior Night, and even gave a performance for the audience at the football game. Jane Saylors, senior, thought of the night as magical. “My favorite part about senior night was getting to spend it with my best friends and teammates who have been on the dance team with me throughout high school and getting to share that special night with the people I love,” Saylors said.
Tiana Hoang/ Prowler Win!- The night is very special to students because it is also the last football game of their high school career. Mason Tucker, senior, was proud of himself and his team's performance. “I couldn’t have asked for a better turn out, it was one of the most fun games I’ve ever played, and to top it all off we won. Last Friday is a night I will remember for the rest of my life,” Tucker said. . Tiana Hoang/Prowler Get Excited!- The seniors got their last football game with the Panther Pit, which was even more electrified than normal for the last game of the year. Layla Champlin, senior, loves the energy and uses it in her cheers. “Cheering in front of the Panther Pit is always really exciting because it’s really fun to throw cool stunts and get the crowd excited,” Champlin said.
Reese Kelem/Prowler
Tiana Hoang/Prowler